Bénin/Lancement du programme Star Venture au Bénin : Une initiative conjointe du Bénin, de la BERD et du Luxembourg pour dynamiser l'entrepreneuriat innovant

On the sidelines of the Annual Meetings and Business Forum of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Republic of Benin, the EBRD and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg officially launched the Star Venture program in Benin. This initiative marks a decisive step in the support of high-potential innovative entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa.

Benin thus becomes the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to benefit from the Star Venture program, joining a network of 26 countries where this emblematic program has been implemented since 2019. The aim: to identify and support promising start-ups through tailor-made coaching including mentoring, strategic workshops, operational advice, as well as facilitated access to international investors.

Luxembourg's contribution, through the EBRD's Small Business Impact Fund, illustrates its commitment to inclusive economic development and the promotion of innovation on the African continent. This support makes it possible to deploy the program in Benin, in synergy with local players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr Romuald WADAGNI, Minister of State, Minister of the Economy and Finance , in charge of the conomie et des Finances, en charge de la Coopération du Bénin, Madame Odile RENAUD-BASSO, President of the EBRD, and representatives of the Luxembourg government.

This partnership is part of Benin's ongoing efforts to strengthen its private sector and stimulate the emergence of a dynamic digital economy. It follows Benin's accession to the EBRD in May 2024 as a 75ᵉ shareholder - a first for a sub-Saharan African country. It also testifies to the Beninese government's commitment to building a robust and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem, a real lever for sustainable job creation and economic innovation.

About the Star Venture program

Launched by the EBRD in 2019, Star Venture aims to support high-potential start-ups in the Bank's countries of operations. The program aims to sustainably transform local entrepreneurial ecosystems. Since its creation, it has already supported more than 350 young companies, providing them with the resources they need to accelerate their growth and maximize their impact on the local economy.

Source: www.gouv.bj